Visiting Cuba In January

It’s the heart of the dry season and one of the best times to visit Cuba. Visiting Cuba in January is ideal as the temperatures will be cooler and you can explore the sights in comfort.

Many people plan their trip to Cuba in January around the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Cuban people might disregard Christmas celebrations, but New Year’s Eve in Cuba is the time when the country really comes to life. Expect plenty of food, fireworks, dancing and delicious cocktails until the early hours of the morning. As you usher in the New Year, (and once you’ve recovered from the festivities), there’s plenty to do and even more to see.

Visiting Cuba in January is very popular with tourists, so you will want to book at least 9 months in advance. This will ensure you have access to a range of casas (or hotels, if you prefer) and can secure your spot on any tours you might be interested in. Expect museums and tourist sights to be a little more crowded than usual.

When visiting Cuba in January, it will still be warm, but evening and nighttime temperatures can dip below 20°C. Pack light layers so that you will be prepared for any weather.

Cuba Weather In January

January is right in the middle of the dry season (which runs from November to April) so the weather is mild and hospitable.

High

Low

Havana

26°C

16°C

Holguin

25°C

17°C

Santiago de Cuba

28°C

21°C

Trinidad

28°C

18°C

The Cuban weather in January will depend very much on where you are visiting. The North of the island will typically be cooler than the South of the island. If you aren’t sure if visiting Cuba in January is right for you, you can be certain it will be warmer than anywhere in Europe in January.

In Havana, expect highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C at night. To the East of the island, in Holguin, you can expect highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Heading South, Santiago De Cuba is typically around 28°C in the day dropping to 21°C at night. And finally, in Trinidad, you can expect highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C.

Things To Do In Cuba In January

There are so many things to do in Cuba in January, but these are some of our favourite picks. With the milder temperatures, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the countryside. And if you prefer culture in the city, these are some of our top tips.

In the second half of January, Havana plays host to the Casa de las Americas, a prestigious literary award that brings together the very best literary minds in Cuba, Central and South America. This is a great time to rub shoulders with the literary elite or visit some local bookshops to get your hands on novels and poetry you won’t find in your local Waterstones.

Towards the end of January, Bayamo in the Granma province comes alive with the Festival Nacional de Música de Concierto La-mi-si-fa- para agrupaciones de pequeño formato. This music festival celebrates small-scale ensembles from the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, Matanzas, Pinar del Río, Havana and the festival´s venue, the city of Bayamo. It’s a great chance to catch some incredible live music from a range of duos, trios and quintets in unique venues.

Vamos Cuba in January

You can also catch a Vamos Cuba group tour, or create your bespoke Cuban experience with a private tour. Here are our picks of the best things to do in Cuba in January with Vamos Cuba.